Axially invariant second-rank tensor ($T=\alpha I+\beta n{n}^T$)

A Cartesian second-rank tensor invariant under every proper rotation preserving an unoriented axis $n$ has this form. Rotations about the axis give a planar block $aI+bJ$ and eliminate mixed axial-planar entries. A half-turn about a transverse axis reverses $J$, forcing $b=0$. If only rotations about the oriented axis are imposed, this planar antisymmetric term may survive.

The six-element dihedral group generated by the displayed rotations already forces every invariant second-rank tensor to have the same form as an axially invariant second-rank tensor. The axial threefold rotation eliminates mixed entries and leaves only a planar scalar plus a planar antisymmetric part; the transverse half-turn eliminates the latter. No smaller finite subgroup suffices: cyclic rotation groups retain an axial antisymmetric tensor, while a four-element noncyclic rotation group retains arbitrary diagonal tensors along its three mutually perpendicular half-turn axes.